The issue of universal load recipes has come up, been discussed, and fought over at this forum for quite some time now. It is my belief that load recipes do exist which perform well in the vast majority of rifles chambered for those loads. This, to any folks willing to look objectively at the evidence, is indisputable, so debating whether that is or is not the case is no longer meaningful. It would be like arguing with a member of the Flat Earth Society about the shape of our planet.

No, what I'd rather do is engage in some meaningful discourse which might help us understand not whether such loads exist, but rather why such loads do exist. I have some ideas, which may or may not be correct. I'll advance some of those ideas if this thread goes anywhere, but for now, I'll just relate my recent email exchange with Paul Box, one of the senior ballistics techs at Sierra. These guys, and certainly Paul in particular, have shot more bullets through more different rifles in the last year than the rest of us will in a lifetime. Here's my email to Paul, and his response:

Paul,

While some folks in my circles are finding it hard to believe, I've found a few load recipes that seem to be universally good performers in practically every rifle so chambered.

For the .308 win, I've noted that 45 grains of Varget with the 175 grain Matchking and (important) CCI BR primer is unbelievably consistent in several .308's I'm familiar with. I'll be honest with you--none as of yet have failed to shoot MOA or better with this load. My Savage 10FP shoots 1/4" groups of three, and 3/8" groups of five at 100 yards with this load. Hodgdon says the 45 grain charge is max, but safe. That has been the experience of many of us who have tried this load--no pressure signs at all. I've also noted that 46 grains of Varget with the 168 Matchking, and 44 grains of Varget with the 180 grain Matchking does equally well. The CCI BR primers seem mandatory for good performance with the Varget in these loads.

For the 30-06, it seems that 57.5 grains of H4350 (I've actually switched to IMR 4350 and gotten even better results) with the 165 grain Gameking shoots MOA or better in all but the sorriest of 30-06 bolt action rifles.

We also know that the venerable 28 grain W748/40 grain bullet in the .223 Remington is a great performer in most .223's.

My question is, how can this be? Many folks adhere to the montra: "Every rifle is different, and must have a load individually developed for decent performance." Is this true, or only half true? If it's true, how do we explain factory loads such as Federal's Gold Medal match (using Sierra's 168 grain Matckings)? In my own experiences, if your .308 won't shoot this load MOA or better, you have a rare one.

I just wanted to pick your brain a bit on this issue. I do have some ideas as to why this might be the case, but I wanted to get your impressions first. My ideas are only theories...

Thanks, Paul, and take care,

Dan Newberry

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Hi Dan,
I agree.There are certain loads in every caliber that will produce a vibration pattern that seems to allow the bullet to leave the muzzle at the same point of that vibration.Usually if a load won't shoot in a rifle that has been known to be a good load in others,there's other problems with the rifle in a barrel being ho-hum,out of round chamber etc.These kind of rifles might shoot something else off the wall so to speak,but likely it'll be an uphill job finding it.Ken Waters made a fair piece of change with this idea in his pet load series.I've given out thousands of loads over the years that have proven to be very accurate in other rifles.You bet it works.
Paul

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Thanks for any interest in this topic,

Dan Newberry
green 788

Some years back, which was the last I heard about it, virtually every bench rest .308 Winchester shooter used 47-49 grain of H380 with the Sierra 168 hpbt. The exact powder charge depended on the case, primer and rifle, but was always in that range. In commercial cases with the Federal match primer, which is sort of standard, 49 grains is it.

That recipe has worked in every .308 I have tried it in. I have experimented with different powders and bullets, but always come back to the same load. It just works.

So does 22 grains of (old) 2400 with the Keith 250 swc in the .44 Magnum.

Thanks for the tip, KLN. I've never tested 49 grains of H380 with the 168 grain match .308 ammo, but I'll do that on your advice. H380 probably throws better than any powder out there...

Dan

12 grains of Unique behind a 350 grain hard cast lead bullet in the 45/70: 1200 f.p.s. out of a 22" barrel and accurate.

H. C.